Discussion Ideas

Book Groups are such great places to practice civility as readers explore not just a book but the experiences and ideas of the group's participants. Libraries and unaffiliated groups might find the topics below interesting starting points, though we all know discussions will go in their own wild directions. (Discussion facilitators can also download a list using the button.) Check out winter reading suggestions from the Cast, as well as winter beverage ideas to keep you going.

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Topic samples

Belonging

Though Nik was born and raised in Moon Valley, what are the ways she feels at odds with locals now? If you grew up in a stable location, what ways do you feel like you “belong” there as an adult, or like you don’t? If you live somewhere different now, how much do you feel a part of the community and why?

Leaving Home

Though Finn’s (known) family all lives in this landscape, what are his inspirations for leaving? Can you imagine anything that would lead him to make his home here as an adult?le location, what ways do you feel like you “belong” there as an adult, or like you don’t? If you live somewhere different now, how much do you feel a part of the community and why?

Kinship

How did the references to ancient fossils in this landscape play a role in your understanding of the ways we might learn to comprehend family and kinship?

Change

The Rocky Mountain West, in literature as in life, is inhabited by strongly traditional people. Do you hold strong opinions about changes in your local landscape or your cultural group or even your workplace? How open to change are the people around you? What changes are you/your friends/family likely to value, and which ones cause stress or turmoil? If you live in or have personal connection to the Rockies, what elements of the status quo that show up in this story would you be open to see change? What changes are you actively working to guide or limit? Are there changes that could cause you to leave your home, wherever that is? How attached to place are you?

Against the Grain

Can you remember going against the grain with a project like Jaye tries to do with her Eco-Ranch ideas? How far were you able to take things? What kinds of barriers did/do you face? Were some internal tensions tormenting you, as well as external challenges? What did you learn from them?

Compassion or Judgment

What traits of your favorite characters do you relate to most, or admire? Did anyone show a side of themselves that you relate to but would be less proud about? Is your response—to these characters, or to people around you—increased compassion when you have experienced similar unskillful behaviors or speech, or are you more harshly judgmental because of that?